Beverly Weddle was watching an episode of Oprah’The Pay it Forward Challenge’when she got an idea.
On the show, Oprah challenged 314 people to come up with inspiring and creative ideas for helping others, and gave each participant $1,000 to turn ideas into reality.
Weddle went to work at the Independence Township Rite-Aid Located near Dixie Highway and M-15 the next day and told her friend and co-worker Martha Cooper about the show.
‘I know what I’d do if I had that thousand dollars,? she told Cooper. ‘I’d have a baby shower for single young mothers.?
Weddle, who raised two children as a single parent and said she knows what it’s like to start out with nothing, had previously collected baby items to help a young friend facing an unplanned pregnancy.
She then heard of another young woman who needed help, then another.
‘I was involved in community service for many years while my kids were growing up,? she said, noting that when her children were young she helped son Dereck, now 25, and Danielle, 21, organize a number of charitable drives, including a collection of socks, hats and mittens for kids at Children’s Village. ‘They came up with so many ideas and I was always so proud of them.?
Now that both kids are off on their own, Weddle said she misses the ‘good feeling? that comes from helping others.
So, instead of waiting for Oprah to show up with $1,000, Weddle decided in 2007 to organize a community baby shower on her own.
She enlisted Cooper’s help and collected donations wherever she could.
All the work paid off when the guests arrived’about 30 girls from 3 counties’for the shower at Andersonville Community Church in Davisburg.
‘It was like Christmas,? she said. ‘The girls were so happy the were squealing and truly appreciative and saying ‘oh my gosh, I can’t believe it.??
The whole event was a success, said Weddle, with not one young woman walking out empty handed.
‘One young girl came in with nothing,? said Cooper, who helped with the event. ‘When she left she said ‘I have everything I need.??
Cooper said she wanted the girls to feel welcome, and made a point of talking to as many as she could during the shower.
All in all, both women thought last year’s event was a success.
And that’s why they’re doing it all again.
‘There’s a need for it,? Weddle said, noting that she’ll be partnering with Oakland County Family Services this year, and the Auburn Hills Kids R US will also be on hand and provide a raffle prize. ‘These girls have little or no family support. Most are working or going to school, but they still fall between the cracks because they don’t know what resources are available or how to get them.?
While she’s been extremely busy making phone calls, organizing items, picking up donations and washing load after load after load of donated baby clothes in her own home, Weddle is still looking for the following help:
Food: A restaurant or caterer who can provide a meal for 25-35 guests.
Speakers: Someone who can attend the shower and talk to the girls about a topic like nutrition, breast-feeding, development or community resources. For some reason, she said, she’s having trouble getting people to take her seriously with this request.
Volunteers: People who are willing to help pick up, sort and assemble donated items are needed, as are those willing to help on the day of the event.
Baby items: any new or very gently used merchandise is appreciated. Currently, Weddle is low on bassinets, cradles, Pack and Plays, high chairs, swings and newer car seats’experts recommend against using a seat more than five years old.
New items such as sleepers, crib sheets, blankets and bottles are also in short supply, as are disposable diapers wipes and other toiletries.
Maternity clothes and gift items for the moms-to-be are welcome, as well.
‘Cash donations would be a huge help, too,? Weddle said. ‘Then we could go out and buy some of the things we know we need.?
All donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be provided on request.
The shower is scheduled to take place at 3:30 p.m., April 26 at Andersonville Community Church, 10310 Andersonville Road, Davisburg.
Weddle also said she still has space available for mothers-to-be who are interested in attending the shower. Although she accepts most on a case by case basis, participants generally must be 17-25 years old, single, working or attending school, and be at least 3 months pregnant or have an infant up to 6 weeks old.
Donations can be dropped off at the Rite-Aid located at 5789 Ortonville Road, north of Dixie Highway. Weddle will also pick up donations. For more information, to volunteer or arrange for pick-up, call Beverly Weddle at 248-634-5970.
For a full wish list as provided by Weddle, visit ClarkstonNews.com